News

Murray takes the positives

Glenn Murray reflected on a disappointing result against Sheffield United but insists Albion have a lot to be positive about – not least the way the squad have adapted to Graham Potter’s methods, the form of Neal Maupay and the emergence of Aaron Connolly.

By Bruce Talbot • 23 December 2019

By Paul Hazlewood
Glenn Murray in action against Sheffield United,

Murray came on as a half-time substitute and although Albion dominated possession in the second half, they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in a 1-0 defeat.

He said, “It was one of those games. “You have to give credit to Sheffield United – their game plan worked and we couldn’t break them down. But we’ve got our own philosophy and we’re sticking with it.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Glenn Murray praised the recent form of Neal Maupay.

Murray’s game time has been restricted so far this season by the form of Maupay, who has scored seven goals since his summer move from Brentford. The Seagulls frontman says the Frenchman’s hard work on the training ground is paying off, while Maupay revealed last week that Murray had been passing on some tips on the training pitch.

“I’d probably like more time on the pitch but Neal’s doing really well, and his goals return has been really good, as has his all-round play,” added Murray. “Sometimes you have to wait your turn and be fit and ready for when the gaffer needs you.

“I think for any striker, just doing that little bit after training every day and getting used to hitting the back of the net helps, and I think for Neal it’s showed in recent games.

“A couple of chances have fallen to him and he’s buried them - that’s down to his hard work on the training field.

By Paul Hazlewood
Aaron Connolly has enjoyed a breakthrough season in the first team.

“Aaron’s somebody we’ve know about since he took the under-23 league by storm and I think, if anything, it was a surprise he wasn’t in the first team sooner. So, it was good to see him and Steven Alzate come through. It shows there is a pathway for youngsters to develop into first-team players.”

Focus now turns to the Boxing Day game at Tottenham Hotspur, and Murray believes Albion’s long-term future is bright.

“I think it’s amazing how far we’ve come since the summer. The way the gaffer has got this group playing football is fantastic,” he added.

“We’ll review, move onto Tottenham, and onto whoever’s after that and be ready for the next challenge. I think Saturday was just one performance where we weren’t quite as good as we have been in other games, but we’ll be ready for Boxing Day.”